The Restoration of Wethersfield

Wethersfield is one of Dutchess Counties treasures. The estate provides a taste for visitors of a bygone era and a welcome opportunity to reflect and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area. Keeping Wethersfield beautiful requires dedication and innovation. Here are a few of the projects we have been working on.

The Allee Replacement

Thanks to an anonymous donation, Wethersfield was able to begin the process of restoring the focal point of the garden to its past grandeur.Read more about this project here

Grape Terrace Restoration

Repair on the Grape Arbor Terrace has come to the first stage of its completion. Due to frost upheaval and invasive tree roots, extensive masonry repairs were undertaken to address the problem and level the surface. Roughly 20 yards of stone dust was brought in, leveled, and, finally, the slate paving stones were set in place.

American Elm Planting

In the spring of 2016, Wethersfield planted 10 American Liberty Elm trees. Resistant to the Dutch Elm Disease that has decimated the trees of North America. This variety is a unique edition to the trees growing on the estate. The planting took place during the annual Board Meeting, trustee Mark Henrie participated in the tree planting.

Conservation and Discovery

In the Winter of 2016, conservation work was done on one of the Collection pieces. Entitled "Hunting Scene at Windsor Park", was painted by Henry Bernard Chalon circa 1820-1830. Work was done on this painting during Mr. Stillman's lifetime but we have no records from that treatment. Consequently, we were surprised to find a cluster of buildings under a layer of paint. Ultimately the decision was made to recover the buildings to return the painting to its prior state. Research is being done to learn more about the history and subject matter of this painting.